malivore

I groan, waking up in my bed. Lizzie Saltzman walks through my bedroom door with a tray of food. "Wakey wakey, Annie." She coos. "You've been practically dead for the past two days after your last transition. But no more; we have important things to do."

"What could be more important than me sleeping off the possibility I ate some Mystic Falls townie?" I grumble.

"Josie was with you all night, I can vouch you didn't even move."

"Josie was with me?" I ask, confused.

Lizzie nods. "Don't you remember?"

I look down at my bed sheets, shaking my head. "I can only remember saying goodnight." I say quietly.

Lizzie frowns, "Well, eat up, we have a big day ahead of us."

♚

♚

I walk down the the hall into the main room where the whole school sits. People stare at me as I walk down the rows. I spot Landon, stumbling over. "Is it just me, or does everyone literally think I murdered their mother."

"Oh no, they definitely think that"

"I've been here for two years and now they think I'm a freak show." I mutter.

Alaric looks around the group. "Given recent events, some students have expressed concern that I am not allowing you to have a say in the decisions that affect your future. And I agree." I look back at Raf in surprise. "If you are expected to abide by this school's policies, it's only fair that you have a voice in how those rules are made. So, I am forming an honor council." The crowd begins to murmer and gossip about who should be their leaders. "One vampire, one witch and one werewolf, each elected by their peers. Along with our school counselor Emma, whose vote will represent the younger students.

"Now, I have to go off-campus. In the meantime, I expect you to make good decisions and to vote wisely. That's all. You're dismissed."

I walk down the hall, heading back to my room to grab my things. "Anastasia!" I spin on my heel to see my mom, wearing a long legged teal jumpsuit. "I wanted to make sure you're alright, before I go."

"You're leaving? Already?" I ask.

My mom nods. "I have to go visit Freya and Keelin. They are having a lil get together with some of our old friends." She says, kissing my cheek. "I will see you soon, my child."

I look down at my feet, a single tear running down my cheek. I look back up to watch my mom walk away, and I can only roll my eyes.

"Anastasia King, the tribrid with the screech of a banshee."

"Penelope Park, the wicked witch bitch from the west." I retort as I turn around, seeing the girl walk over.

She fake gasps, placing her hand over her chest. "I'm saddened by your low thoughts of me" She snickers. "I just wanted a favor."

"Why would I do the girl who broke my best friends heart a favor?" I spat.

"Because we both know you're in love with Josie."

I suck in a breath, my eyes wide. "Excuse me?"

"What? Do you think you're smooth? It's obvious, Annie." Penelope snaps at me. I look back and forth around the room, unsure what to do. "Listen, all you have to do is help me get Josie on the council instead of Lizzie. That simple."

"Even if I did have...feelings for Josie," I reply. "Why would I do anything for you?" I throw my arms up in the air, shaking my head at the witch.

Penelope looks me up and down, crossing her arms over her chest. "Josie and Lizzie's Sweet 16 is in a few days. I'll make sure you're Josie's date."

I stand back, shocked by what she said. "You, what?"

"You heard me, tribrid." She hisses. "Do we have a deal or not?" She holds her hand out, to which I stare at.

Is it worth making a deal with the devil incarnate?

Today; it might be.

I smirk at the Park girl. "You've got yourself a heck of a deal, Penelope."

♚

I sit outside with a notebook as Hope rushes by. "Oh, hey Annie." She says, walking back towards me.

"What are you doing?" I ask her.

She rolls her eyes. "I was set to do Landon's tests, to see what he is."

"Anything?" I ask.

"Literally nothing." My sister groans as she sits next to me.

I shrug. "Just snap his neck and see if he comes back."

She snaps her head at me. "And if he doesn't?"

"We just tell Mr. Saltzman a monster came and killed him." I explain roughly.

Hope laughs under her breath. "I thought you're the only person who likes Landon."

"I do." I nod. "However I also care about your sanity."

The two of us laugh as we stare out into the gardens. "So, which one of us is going to run for council."

"You, duh." I huff.

"Why me?"

I roll my eyes at my sisters surprise. "You're older, you're stronger, your wiser, and you don't randomly turn into a wolf against your will." I hum.

She shifts her head. "Fair point"

♚

After plenty of simple deal makings and convincing, Penelope and I have already acquired most of the witches to vote for Josie.

"May all students gather for the announcement of the Honor Council." Emma calls on the speakers. I sigh, looking down at my feet as Penelope links arms with me.

"What are you doing?" She hisses as we walk through the crowd.

Penelope holds out two small slips. "There's only two people from the Witches who haven't voted." She hands me one. "Us."

She leans over on a small table on the side of the hall, and I fiddle with my sheet. "If I do this, you're going to convince Josie to let me
take her to her own birthday?"

"Yes, now sign it." She huffs. I nod, looking down at the paper. With a wave of my finger, Josie Saltzman is on the ticket. "Now, let's go raise some hell."

I only stare at her in confusion as she links her hand with mine, guiding me down to the main room. The school stares in surprise. "Look confident, don't want Josie to be too worried."

I take a deep breath, before turning my face stone cold. I lock eyes with the brunette as I hold up my sheet, blowing it into the bin. I give a small wink as Josie blushes, Penelope walking off.

Taking my seat next to Josie, she leans over. "What the hell were you doing with her?" She hisses.

"We made a deal."

"What kind of deal!?"

"All right. Voting is now closed." Emma cuts her off. "Let's get started." The first sheet flies out of the box. "The werewolf representative will be; Rafael."

The werewolves cheer and applaud. Loud barks coming from the group. "So much for not wanting anything to do with the pack." Josie mutters.

"I've always wanted to be part of a power couple." Lizzie says dreamily. I look at her confused. What have I missed?

"All right, settle down."  The barking simmers down, "Thank you. Next up... The vampire representative will be... Kaleb." The vamps
cheer as MG frowns, clearly saddened by his loss. "All right, guys..."

Lizzie turns to Josie and I. "Showtime. How do I look?" Josie grins as she fixes her sisters hair. I immediately feel guilt for betraying Lizzie. But this is the one thing Josie deserves, right?

I look back at Penelope, who's smirking at me. "Don't screw this up." She mouths to
me. I suck in a nervous breath, turning to face Emma.

"And the witch representative will be..." Emma opens the slip. "Josie."

Lizzie and Josie's faces fall as I look back at Penelope. She winks, shooting a finger gun at me. Whispers flood our group, surprised, and possibly relieved. Lizzie turns away from her sister as she sits there confused.

I suck in another breath, unsure what to do now.

♚

I walk towards the library when Josie jogs up. "Annie." I turn towards the brunette. "What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything." I frown.

"What did you do with Penelope? Why did I win that election?"

I suck in a nervous breath. "Penelope wanted you to win. To get back at Lizzie. I didn't do anything."

"Then why were you with her!?"

"Because she was helping me out, Josie!" I huff.

Josie frowns. "What can Penelope Park possibly be able to help with?" She asks me, flabbergasted by my outburst.

"How about you just mind your own business and stop worrying about me for once!" I snap, turning on my heel and storming away. Josie stands there, watching me walk off in a hustle, unsure what to do.

♚

My blue eyes slowly flutter open, and I frown at the sight in front of me.

This isn't my bedroom.

I slowly sit up, looking around. It's my old bedroom. From New Orleans. The yellow walls Elijah and Hayley had painted. Shades of pinks and orange sprawled across flower patterned bedding. My walls covered in posters of TV shows or bands, most I hadn't recognized when Hope and Aunt Freya decorated it. I frown as I crawl out of the large bed, stepping out into the large middle of the Abattoir. I tip toe across the large balcony to the stairs, when I hear a loud crash from below.

"Hello?" I call out, my voice shaking. How did I get here? "Aunt Freya? Mom?"

I continue down the steps, not sure where I was going when I hear the crash again. I gasp, running under a large table. "My god, Elijah, and I thought this place was worse when Marcel had taken over. But now our sister turn this into a horrendous monstrosity!"

My eyes fill with tears as I hear the familiar voices. "I'm sorry, Brother, but we left it in her name." Another voice inquires. I leap from my hiding spot, seeing the two figures walk into the room.

"Daddy?" I call out.

Klaus Mikaelson, The Original Hybrid, The Great Evil.

My dad.

He stares at me in shock, his own brother, Elijah, staring at me as well. I let out a sob as I run to my dad, who speeds towards me and lifts me up. My small body is easy to lift as he spins me around. "I missed you, my little one."

We pull away from each other, his ice blue eyes staring into my own. "What am I doing here? What are we doing here?"

Elijah sighs as he puts his hand on my shoulder. "We wish we could tell you." He hums. I smile at my uncle, hugging him tightly. He's surprised, but slowly gives in.

After a moment, we pull away. "You have no idea how much I've missed you." I sob. "Mom keeps leaving, and reappearing, Hope is well, Hope. I've been in a basement for two year's, I'm in love with my best friend. The one person that actually gets me might be leaving the school. I'm so alone." I look up at the two of them, their faces empathetic for their youngest tribrid. "I have nobody left." I cry, falling into my fathers arms. I wanted him to be back. I wanted my dad. I wanted to be with him.

"My little one, look at me." Dad holds my face with his hands. "You are so much stronger than anyone. You and Hope are gifts, and I am so proud of you. You're sisters, and much like me and Elijah, dont always get along. But you're both so strong and so powerful, and together you two can do anything." He says. "Always and forever."

I sniffle, "Always and forever."

"And about that girl," Elijah chuckles, I frown, not knowing how he knows it's a girl. "You're a Mikaelson, you can have anyone you want if you truly want them."

I nod, "Like how you wanted Hayley?"

Elijahs face contorts to one of sadness, but only for a moment. "Something like that, yes." He nods.

My dad looks back at the door they came from. "We have to go, brother." He says softly.

"What? No, don't go." I call out. "Don't leave me again! Please!" I shout.

Dad lifts my small body in his arms, hugging me tighter than ever. "I love you, Anastasia, please remember, always and forever."

♚

"ANNIE!"

I spring up, falling into the arms of whoever woke me up. I look up to see a confused, sad, hurt Landon. He chuckles as he stares down at me. "You look a little scared."

I huff, sitting up straighter. "Yeah, something like that." I sigh. I look up at him, "Youre leaving, arent you?"

Landon nods, and I wrap my arms around his neck. Landon was one of the few people who got me, who was there for me. He wasn't like everyone else. He wanted to be my friend by choice, not by force.

"I wish you could come with me." He whispers.

I pull away, looking up at him. "I can," I say. "I can go with you, I can pack a bag and-"

"Annie, please," He says, causing me to stop. "You can't. You have other people here that need you."

"I need you!" I shout. He sighs as my eyes water. "You're the only person who hasn't hurt me and you're the only one who wasn't scared of me."

Landon shakes his head. "I'll come back for you, I promise." He hums. "Just not today."

I sob as he hugs me one last time, kissing my hair before walking out of my room, leaving me alone with my own thoughts.

♚

A few minutes later, a knock is on my door. "Come in." I call.

Josie pokes her head in. "Hey."

"Hi." I say shortly. I look down at my bed as she steps in, sitting next to me on the bed.

"I wanted to say sorry." She states. "I know it wasn't my business. At all." I trace the bed sheets, thinking if I should say it.

"I did it for you." I mumble.

Josie frowns. "Me?"

I nod. "You deserved to win. You're nice, smart, you'll do what's right for everyone. Lizzie isnt always like that." I explain.

"But why did you need Penelope you help you?"

My heart quickens. "Because I care about you, a lot." I retort. Josie doesn't reply as I look up at her. "Do you have any idea how much it hurts to watch you cry over Lizzie being selfish? Or Penelope dumping you? Or just you taking care of everyone else but yourself?" I ask. "Josie," I sigh. "I love you." Josie's eyes are wide as I sigh in relief, feeling all the weight on my chest lift. I look back into her brown eyes and she still stares silently. "I- I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything-"

Suddenly, I'm cut off by Josie cupping my face, her lips locking with mine. I melt into her kiss almost instantly, my hands finding their way to her face. My tears from today's events mix in, leaving a salty taste in our mouths.

The two of us pull away, breathing heavily. "Want to be my date to my birthday party?" She asks.

"Hell yes." I say before pulling her towards me again.